Erie County Senior Services, Preservation Pub, Pride Center of WNY Collaborate on New Site

ERIE COUNTY, NY— The Erie County Department of Senior Services, in conjunction with the Pride Center of WNY, the Silver Pride Project, and Preservation Pub has announced the opening of a new congregate dining site. The Silver Pride Project, a volunteer organization that convenes Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgendered older adults, has brought the voice of the senior LGBT community to the planning and implementation of the new site and will be closely involved with it. Erie County Executive Mark C. Poloncarz was joined today by Commissioner of Senior Services Randy Hoak and representatives of both the Pride Center of WNY and the Silver Pride Project to make the announcement at Preservation Pub prior to the first lunch being served.

“It’s always good news when the congregate dining program grows, as this means more seniors will have access to healthy lunches and the socialization that comes with breaking bread with one’s peers. Today we are proud to welcome the Preservation Pub as a lunch site and the Pride Center of WNY as partners in serving more seniors,” said Erie County Executive Mark C. Poloncarz. “Congregate dining provides much more than just a meal, and we welcome any interested seniors to join the group here and enjoy the food and camaraderie.”

”The Department of Senior Services is always looking for creative partnerships to bring our programs to the very diverse populations that make up our community,” said Commissioner of Senior Services Randy Hoak.  “The process of working with the Pride Center and the dedicated volunteers of the Silver Pride Project has been a truly grass roots effort brought to our Senior Services Advisory Board.  The Department will continue to create opportunities for older adults to participate in our programs in welcoming and inclusive environments.”

A Seniors’ Healthy Lunch will be served at the site on the fourth Monday of every month at 1 PM. Reservations are recommended for the lunch and can be made by contacting the Pride Center at (716) 852-7743.

Over 21% of the population of Erie County is 60 years of age or older, while over 8% of the resident population is age 75 years or older. In conjunction with community partners, the Erie County Department of Senior Services operates congregate dining sites and the Stay Fit Dining program in 45 local senior centers, churches, and housing complexes, serving thousands of seniors each week. This is the first partnership involving a privately-owned restaurant. Participants in the program or their spouse must be 60 years of age or older, and the suggested confidential contribution for the meal is $3 but no one will be denied a meal if they are unable to contribute.